As the Government of Liberia deliberates on the Port Autonomous Bill—a piece of legislation seeking to grant our ports independence from the National Port Authority (NPA) central system—there is a palpable sense of hope. If passed, we trust this law will bring tangible benefits to our maritime sector, specifically to the two smallest ports in the Southeastern region: Harper and Greenville.
The Current Reality
The Harper and Greenville ports are currently the smallest in the country. Their commercial activities are largely limited to regional logistics, timber exports, and supporting small-scale local industries. Despite their size, these ports are vital hubs for the Southeast.
For years, stakeholders in these regions have appealed to successive NPA managements for the rehabilitation and expansion of these facilities. The goal has always been to increase their capacity to handle larger vessels and boost trade volumes. Unfortunately, these cries have largely gone unanswered.
A Strategic Suggestion
Regardless of whether the Port Autonomous Bill passes, I wish to offer a specific suggestion to the Government of Liberia to spark economic revival in the region.
To uplift these ports and the Southeastern economy, the Government should consider exclusively designating the Ports of Harper and Greenville as the sole entry points for the importation of used vehicles.
While this suggestion is presented in its raw form, I believe it warrants a serious feasibility study by our nation’s economists. By shifting the used car economy to the Southeast, we create a natural demand for secondary services—customs brokerage, mechanical shops, spare parts markets, and hospitality—right where it is needed most.
Aligning with National Progress
We must commend the Government for the modern road connectivity projects currently unfolding across the Southeast and other parts of Liberia. This infrastructure is the backbone of trade. Why not leverage these new roads by directing specific commercial traffic through the region?
This move would be a bold step in the Government’s decentralization efforts. It aims to open the country for the greater good of all citizens, rather than concentrating wealth and logistics in a single hub.
We must embrace the reality that Monrovia cannot continue to be Liberia. True national growth requires us to empower every coastline and every county. This is just my “two cents” contribution to the national discourse, offered with the hope of a more prosperous and decentralized Liberia.